C-130 Life Extension

Client: Royal New Zealand Air Force

Description

The life extension programme for the five C-130H Hercules aircraft is operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). The scope of the project is the replacement of specific mechanical, avionic and structural components, and the design and installation of flight deck communications and navigation improvements to meet evolving air traffic management regulations.

Government approval

In December 2004, the Government approved a project budget of NZ$226 million excluding GST.

In May 2007, the Government approved a further NZ$21.2 million excluding GST to upgrade the self-protection system fitted to the aircraft.

In July 2010, the Government approved a further NZ$9.85 million excluding GST to allow the Ministry of Defence to complete the production phase for the upgrade of the remaining three aircraft.

Contract

A contract was signed in December 2004 with L-3 Communications Spar Aerospace of Edmonton Canada. Following the closure of the contractor, the contract was assigned to L-3IS of Waco Texas. The first two aircraft were modified in Canada and testing continued in Texas.

In mid-2010, L-3, the Ministry of Defence and Safe Air Limited reached an agreement for the Ministry of Defence to take over the management of the production phase for the upgrade of the remaining three aircraft.

Work commenced on the first of these three aircraft NZ7001 at RNZAF Base Woodbourne in March 2011. The aircraft NZ7002 is currently being modified.

Aviation Labour Group has been appointed as principal labour provider for the programme. Safe Air continues to provide support services.

Current status

Aircraft NZ7004 was delivered to the RNZAF on 8 October 2010.

Aircraft NZ7003 was delivered to the RNZAF on 12 November 2010.

Aircraft NZ7001 was delivered to the RNZAF on 22 February 2013.

Aircraft NZ7005 was accepted by the RNZAF and cleared for operational use on 19 November 2014.